Many people (myself included!) associate luxury train rides with places like Russia, or Europe: not Canada!
However, I’ve got a secret for you: a train is one of the best ways to experience the Great White North! I believe that one of these luxury train rides in Canada should be on everyone’s bucket list because they’re just that amazing.
Of course, Canada is massive, and the whole country is nearly crisscrossed by trains. Not all of these are luxury, however, or worth the time commitment.
To make your life easier and your Canada trip a little more luxe, I’ve compiled this list of luxury train rides in Canada that are worth the splurge (in both time and money).
I’m certain you’ll find the luxury Canadian train trip of your dreams on this list, whether you’re looking for an epic journey that crosses the entire country, or shorter trips that focus on specific regions within Canada.
Table of Contents
1. Rocky Mountaineer Short Journeys
Route: First Passage to the West, Rainforest to Gold Rush, Journey through the Clouds
Duration: Two to three days
Highlights: Incredible views of the Canadian Rockies through a dome car
Cost: Starting at $1,800
Perhaps the most famous of the Canadian luxury train rides, the Rocky Mountaineer travels between Vancouver, on the coast of British Columbia, to the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Depending on your route, you’ll zoom through Canada’s most famous national park, Banff, ride along the gorgeous Canadian west coast, or go to the top of Canada’s highest mountain.
No matter the journey you choose on the Rocky Mountaineer, expect world-class food, first-class service, and views of Canada you can only see via train (oh, and these spectacular views are brought to you from a two-level, panoramic, domed train car, no less!).
2. The Canadian Prestige Journey
Route: The Canadian Prestige, Eastbound or Westbound
Duration: Seven days
Highlights: Viewing many of Canada’s diverse landscapes through a mid-century, luxury dome car
Cost: Starting at $5,700
If you need to get from Vancouver to Toronto and want to do it in serious style, the Canadian Prestige Journey is the only way to go. Starting in either Vancouver or Toronto, this luxury, all-inclusive train ride gives you an exclusive look at Canada’s diverse landscape.
The Canada Prestige will take you through coastal rainforests, mountain peaks, and golden prairies, all bookended by visits to two of Canada’s coolest cities.
And that’s not all—your meals can be taken in the nostalgic (yet luxurious) dining car, or brought to you by your butler (!) to the privacy of your room, followed by drinks in the exclusive lounge car with its stellar views.
3. The Royal Canadian Pacific
Route: The Royal Canadian Rockies Experience
Duration: Four nights, five days
Highlights: The true royal experience aboard a beautifully preserved, historical train
Cost: Starting at $10,500
Not just luxurious, but royally luxurious.
The Royal Canadian Pacific line, with its historical trains that have been preserved in all their splendor, has once hosted VIPS such as presidents (hey JFK!), prime ministers (did someone say Churchill?), and yes, royalty! The late (sob) Queen Elizabeth, her father, and her uncle all famously took rides on the Royal Canadian Pacific.
And you can too! The Royal Canadian Rockies Experience route begins and ends in Calgary, the cowboy-yet-cosmopolitan city in Alberta. From there you’ll enter the mighty Canadian Rockies, with visits to several national parks, before a leisurely trip back towards Calgary.
Any trip aboard the Royal Canadian Pacific’s luxury heritage train guarantees you incredible mountain vistas, peeks into glorious forests, visions of rushing waterfalls and rivers, all served alongside a big heaping of grandeur in the dining cars, first-class sleeping cars, butler service, and more.
4. Via Rail’s The Ocean
Route: The Maritime Way
Duration: One day and one night
Highlights: Dramatic ocean views as far as the eye can see
Cost: Starting at $500
If you’re still hoping for a lavish trip that’s a little bit shorter, Via Rail’s The Ocean train might be right up your alley.
The Ocean, which travels from Montreal to Halifax on the route known as “the Maritime Way,” gives you nearly unbelievable views of the ocean and the beautiful countryside of Canada’s Maritime states. We’re talking lighthouses, quaint coastal villages, ocean cliffs, and rocky coastlines, plus delicious seafood.
Of course, the beginning and the end of the trip also take you to two of Canada’s most unique cities: the European-inspired Montreal, and the charming seaside city of Halifax.
Oh, and p.s.! Don’t even think about the economy ticket on this route—you absolutely must choose the Sleeper Plus option (because luxury, of course).
5. Via Rail Adventure Route, North
Route: Winnipeg to Churchill
Duration: Two days and two nights
Highlights: The only dry land route to this remote community on the Hudson Bay showcases truly unique scenery and a chance to see the Northern Lights
Cost: Starting at $380
Polar bears, Northern Lights, and a whole lot of snow and frost? Via Rail’s Winnipeg to Churchill route has all of this and more. Discover the true Great White North on this train, the only dry-land link between Churchill and the rest of Canada.
For more luxury, including access to the amazing Park Car (panoramic views all day and night, just in case the Northern Lights come out to play!), book the Sleeper Plus option.
And be prepared for a true leisurely trip—not only is this a luxurious experience, but sometimes the train can get stalled on the frosty train tracks—all part of an authentic Canadian adventure in the Great White North.
6. Rocky Mountaineer Circle Journeys
Route: Grand Adventure Circle Journey or Best of the Rockies Circle Journey
Duration: Twelve or thirteen nights
Highlights: Personalized service in the two-floor dome car, while gazing passing through Whistler or Banff, deserves a spot on every bucket list
Cost: Starting at $8,500
It’s truly hard to beat the Rocky Mountaineer when it comes to luxury train rides in Canada (or anywhere else).
The Rocky Mountaineer Circle Journeys are for you if two days on the luxurious train just isn’t enough, or if you just can’t pick one route (no one could blame you for that!).
The Grand Adventure Circle Journey or the Best of the Rockies Circle Journey takes you from Vancouver to Banff or Jasper National Parks, from the coast through the forest across prairies into the mountains.
Make sure to select GoldLeaf Service for the most excellent of the amenities—including the best views of your life, probably, atop the two-story dome car.
7. Classic Canada Coast to Coast
Route: Canada Coast to Coast (Halifax to Vancouver)
Duration: Eighteen days
Highlights: A once-in-a-lifetime trip to see once-in-a-lifetime views
Cost: Starting at $3,200
All aboard the Classic Canada Coast to Coast for one truly epic train journey through Canada!
You’ll start this odyssey in the quaint and friendly seaside town of Halifax, and finish in the multicultural seaside city of Vancouver, with stops along the way in French Canada, Niagara Falls, lively Toronto, and the stunning Canadian Rockies.
Although there are different options for pricing, go all-out for luxury and book a first-class Bedroom Suite (you’ll thank me later).
8. The Royal Canadian Pacific Express routes
Route: The Royal Pacific Express or the Royal Prairie Express
Duration: Three nights and four days
Highlights: Luxury worthy of royalty (and the views are pretty great, too)
Cost: Starting at $8,700
The Royal Canadian Pacific Express routes don’t skimp on the luxury, despite the term “Express”—they’re still “Royal,” after all!
One way between Vancouver and Calgary, choose either the Royal Pacific Express to begin your journey in Vancouver or the Royal Prairie Express to begin your journey in Calgary.
You truly cannot go wrong with either, and could book a round-trip ticket if you just can’t get enough of this ultra-luxe train with its ultra-gorgeous views.
Conclusion
Maybe it’s the American in me, where trains are still a novel experience (that brings to mind the opulent dining cars of the Venice Orient Express), but something about the simple act of even taking the train seems luxurious to me.
No fighting traffic, the ability to stretch your legs, a dining car, leisurely views that aren’t just freeway…it all sounds straight-up idyllic, am I right?
Of course, not all train rides are created equally—especially regarding amenities. On these luxury train trips across Canada, though, you won’t just have visions of grandeur, you’ll get to live it!
Which luxury Canadian rail trip sounds the most amazing to you? Or, if you’ve taken one of these trains (lucky you!) share your joy in the comments below. While you’re here, do check out our list of luxury train rides in the USA too!
